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DIY mishaps

When I installed my Big Shots, I somehow got the acorn nuts cross-threaded. Didn't feel that way when they were going on, but it was. Had leaks at both flanges, the bike is in the shop now to replace studs, bolts, and gaskets. Dropped it off there because oil was leaking from somewhere, I couldn't figure it out. Turns out when I replaced the crappy black dipstick with a shiny new chrome one (I changed my oil on Sunday), I forgot the o-ring for the new dipstick. DOH!

Live and learn I guess. I'm going to have the shop jet the carb while they have it in there, so I can get back on the road sooner and with more confidence. Should be purring like a kitten when I get her back. The weather is getting nicer here in North Texas, I'd rather be riding than wrenching.

Don't be too hard on yourself, we ALL make mistakes. Those that have not made mistakes are either not doing anything or they lie. Some times we do little things (like your o-ring) no big deal. Some of us do things that can get us in big trouble, like I forgot to torque my rear axle nut, but found it on a latter inspection. Stuff happens.

More than likely you did NOT cross thread the nuts. The nuts bottomed out on the stud before they could tighten the flange down enough. This is why you had the backfiring from the leaking headers. This is why we say to either add washers to the studs before you put on those acorn nuts. Or ditch the acorn nuts and go with regular nuts

I am no expert, but I can do basic plumbing now. I had my first lesson from a professional plumber many years ago. I can also do a decent job patching drywall. Just think, if I hadn't put a wood screw through that water pipe all those years ago, I may not have those skills today!!

ditto

Originally Posted by Ollie

I am no expert, but I can do basic plumbing now. I had my first lesson from a professional plumber many years ago. I can also do a decent job patching drywall. Just think, if I hadn't put a wood screw through that water pipe all those years ago, I may not have those skills today!!

More than likely you did NOT cross thread the nuts. The nuts bottomed out on the stud before they could tighten the flange down enough. This is why you had the backfiring from the leaking headers. This is why we say to either add washers to the studs before you put on those acorn nuts. Or ditch the acorn nuts and go with regular nuts

Ace Hardware (old school Ace) sells "thin" chrome nuts and washers for about a buck apiece. 8mmx1.25. Then after you torque them down and run it a few miles to get it hot and re-torque. Be sure there is no exhaust leaks! After all that you can then put the acorn nut on top to keep it looking purdy!

Experience

Originally Posted by BigGreggo

When I installed my Big Shots, I somehow got the acorn nuts cross-threaded. Didn't feel that way when they were going on, but it was. Had leaks at both flanges, the bike is in the shop now to replace studs, bolts, and gaskets. Dropped it off there because oil was leaking from somewhere, I couldn't figure it out. Turns out when I replaced the crappy black dipstick with a shiny new chrome one (I changed my oil on Sunday), I forgot the o-ring for the new dipstick. DOH!

Live and learn I guess. I'm going to have the shop jet the carb while they have it in there, so I can get back on the road sooner and with more confidence. Should be purring like a kitten when I get her back. The weather is getting nicer here in North Texas, I'd rather be riding than wrenching.

Experience is the ability to recognize a screw-up before you make it the 2nd time...I have a lot of experience!